SC clears decks for telecast of Patwardhan's film on DD

AGENCIESAug 26, 2006, 03.46am IST

NEW DELHI: After a decade of legal wranglings, the Supreme Court on Friday cleared the deck for the screening of Anand Patwardhan's award winning documentary film — Father, son and Holy War — on Doordarshan, certified as "UA".

The film, privy to the inner psyche of men and delving into the issue of religious violence, has been directed to be shown on Doordarshan's channels number one and two in its entirety within eight weeks.

Dismissing the appeal by the public broadcaster against the order of Bombay High Court directing Doordarshan to show the film, a Bench comprising Justice AR Lakshmanan and Justice L S Panta criticised Prasar Bharti for its attitude to reject the screening of the film despite its clearance from the required authority and committee.

"In our view it would not be proper to deny telecast of an award-winning documentary merely on the ground that part II of it is certified as 'A' by the Censor Board. In our view a documentary cannot be denied exhibition on DD simply on ground of its 'A' certification or 'UA' certification," the Bench said.

It expressed its "shock" at the observation of Prasar Bharti that the film was not suitable due to unsatisfactory production quality and that it had nothing specific to convey in public interest.

"It is highly irrational and incorrect to say that the documentary which was selected as best investigative film and best film on social issues promote violence and its production quality was unsatisfactory and that the film has no specific message to convey," it said.